Job Description
JOB TITLE: Director, Government and Neighborhood Relations
DEPARTMENT: Community Affairs/Legal
REPORTS TO: EVP, Community Affairs / Chief Legal Officer
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $105,000 - $140,000 base salary USD and eligible for discretionary bonus plan
BEING PART OF THE TEAM
Our business is a team sport that began on a field with baseballs and bats and has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in sports and entertainment through Cubs baseball and live events. Our success is driven by our people, who work to create and inspire change in an engaging, collaborative and inclusive environment. As a team, we continue to build a culture on and off the field that delivers unforgettable experiences for one another, our fans and community. In support of that effort, we expect associates to work primarily in our office. Are you ready to be part of it?
OUR STORY
THE CHICAGO CUBS FRANCHISE The Chicago Cubs franchise, a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League since 1876, has won the National League pennant 17 times and was the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1907 and 1908 seasons. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs made history again when the team won its first World Series in 108 years, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard and famous Marquee, iconic Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. In 2009, the Ricketts family assumed ownership of the Chicago Cubs and established three main goals for the organization: Win the World Series, Preserve and Improve Wrigley Field, and Be a Good Neighbor.
HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE
The Director, Government and Neighborhood Relations coordinates and implements Cubs’ government and neighborhood relations, including community interactions, relationships with local elected officials, community and business leaders, involvement of residents, and community outreach. Among other things, this position will recommend and implement strategies for obtaining support from elected officials and decision makers for Wrigley Field operations (ballpark improvements, night games. etc.). The role will inform Cubs Community Affairs on neighborhood needs and programs and serve as liaison between Cubs and neighborhood residents.
THE DAY-TO-DAY:
• Design and implement a successful strategy for resident, community, business and elected official support for Wrigley Field and Cubs.
• Develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships.
• Understand and communicate, internally and externally, community affairs issues and strategies and drive successful results for the team and its affiliates.
• Represent Cubs in communities throughout Chicago including attending monthly community group meetings and relevant events.
• Lead the annual Wrigleyville Neighbors Day, coordinate Wrigleyville Neighbors community group activity and ensure regular publication of Cubs community newsletter.
• Work with Cubs Ballpark Operations to ensure interaction with the community around Wrigley Field to address neighborhood needs and activities, and ensure team is accountable and fulling requirements of the Night Game Ordinance.
• Work across functions finding meaningful ways for Cubs brand to be represented in communities across Chicago.
• Design and implement programs to fulfill the Ricketts family mission of being a good neighbor.
• Coordinate and manage events involving neighborhood leaders, representatives and groups.
• Coordinate with Cubs community outreach initiatives and advise on programs to meet community, neighborhood and departmental needs. Special attention and focus on developing positive relationships with residents and businesses in the Lakeview community and, in particular, those in close proximity to Wrigley Field. Oversee and execute Cubs donations program, including autographed memorabilia and Commissioner’s Initiative tickets.
• Oversee MLB activations and coordinate with MLB on leaguewide outreach efforts and initiatives.
• Assist EVP, Community and Government Affairs on club-related activity as requested.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
The ideal candidate will bring a combination of professional experience in business, public relations, organizational leadership, marketing and/or a related field.
• Undergraduate degree in business, public relations, communications, marketing, or a relevant field.
• Eight+ years’ experience in professional sports or government/community relations position or related disciplines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to the public and community groups.
• Public presence and public speaking ability. Strong verbal and writing skills.
• Demonstrated communications and writing skills.
• Organizational skills and business acumen.
• Proven success in managing a team.
• Flexibility and ability to work non-standard hours, including evenings, weekends and game days and attend community events multiple nights per week.
WHAT SETS YOU APART:
• Deep understanding of the Wrigleyville neighborhood and the needs of our neighbors
• Chicago-based experience in community or civic engagement.
• Experience in corporate community program and initiatives.
• Experience in professional sports
TOTAL REWARDS:
• On-site parking
• Transit benefits
• Paid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time, Office Holidays & Winter Break
• Flexible work arrangement
• Casual work attire environment
• Complimentary Meal & beverage plan
• Cubs home game & spring training game ticket allotment
• Access to campus wide Wrigley Field events & pre-sales
• 401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer Match
• Benefit Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Health & Wellness engagement & programming
• Variety of associate special events, volunteer opportunities and partnership discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free access to EV charging stations
* This job posting includes the anticipated compensation, which reflects the hourly rate or salary range the Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are considering for this role in the specified location(s) as of the posting date. Where anticipated compensation is a salary range, the actual base salary offered within that range will be reflective of the candidate’s skills and experience.
The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents all communities. We hold ourselves accountable to include new and different voices in our organization. Everyone is welcome here, and we celebrate what makes each of us unique.
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Seniority level Director
Employment type Full-time
Job function Public Relations, Customer Service, and Other
Industries Spectator Sports, Hospitality, and Entertainment Providers